Action-packed Queenstown

Be sure to pack your sense of adventure, because Queenstown is geared up for every kind of outdoor thrill.

In winter it's all about snow sports, even at night. In spring, summer and autumn you can pedal the Queenstown Trail. And at any time of the year, you can zoom down the luge at the Skyline complex or take a leap of faith attached to a bungy cord.

Get your adrenaline fix

The Skyline Gondola and Luge is the ultimate destination for kids and parents who crave excitement. Located close to town, the gondola sweeps you through the treetops to the top of Bob's Peak. The view is easily one of the best around, and if you're lucky you might see a bungy jumper as you ride up.

Once you've completed one route, you'll be tempted to conquer all seven rides. They connect together, so you can just keep on pedalling.

Once you're at the top, stroll around the walking tracks to check out the daredevil mountain bikers hitting the bike park, or jump on the luge for your own adrenaline rush. There are two tracks to choose from, the red is a bit more of a challenge, however kids under 135cm need to stick to the green and kids under five need to ride with an adult. Once you've made it to the bottom of your track it's easy to jump on the luge chairlift and head back up for another run. After your full on day head back down the gondola into town and grab an iconic Fergburger for the complete Queenstown experience.

Pedal the sights

Queenstown's forward-thinking council has created a 120km network of biking trails that are collectively known as the Queenstown Trail.

The routes are designed to look after every kind of cyclist. Easy trails include the Lake Wakatipu Ride and the Arrow River Bridges Ride. Advanced riders will find thrills and spills on the Jack's Point Ride. And for those with an average amount of riding fitness, there are four intermediate trails. Every journey has its own special mix of historic bridges, tranquil valleys, river gorges, massive mountains and beautiful lakes.

Once you've completed one route, you'll be tempted to conquer all seven rides. They connect together, so you can just keep on pedalling. Cafes and restaurants along the way make it easy to keep the energy flowing. Bike hire is easily arranged in the town.

Fun for everyone in the snow and on the luge

Hit the slopes

There's no place better to head for the winter school holidays than Queenstown. It has two local ski fields, plus another couple over the Crown Range in Wanaka. Most ski areas open around mid-June and are closed by mid-October.

Coronet Peak is Queenstown's original ski area and the access road is only 10 minutes from the centre of town. It's family-friendly and has a Skiwiland creche for little kids. Queenstown's other local snow spot is The Remarkables ski field, which has terrain and facilities to suit everyone from first timers to black run hunters.

Just over the Crown Range from Queenstown are Wanaka's two ski areas. Cardrona is great for everyone, with plenty of groomed runs for learners and kids. Treble Cone is more challenging, so it's where the intermediate and advanced skiers and boards love to go.